Ascension : European Development Fund award: edf (9)
Submitted by The Islander (Nathan Prince) 29.06.2006 (Article Archived on 13.07.2006)
AIG PRESS RELEASE 26 JUNE 2006
In June 2004 the European Commission approved the principle of financial support to St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha to help address the limitations of physical access to and from the Islands.
Since then, significant effort has been made to deliver a consolidated proposal to the European Commission containing major improvements for each of the three Islands. The project coordinator is Dr. Corinda Essex on St Helena.
On Friday 23rd June 2006 the very good news was received that our joint proposals have been approved by the European Commission. The formal documentation giving the exact details of the award is expected shortly.
The total amount of financial support applied for was €15.47 million, of which €0.72 million (approximately £495,000) relates to the Ascension Island element of the project. Funding is expected to be released in stages over a number of financial years.
The overarching objective of the programme is to improve access to St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha through an integrated approach of investment. The award of European funding is a great achievement and very exciting for all the Islands. For Ascension Island this is the first time that it has enjoyed the benefit of an EU funded award.
On Ascension Island the first release of funds will be used to engage consultancy services to explore the options available to deliver improved sea passenger handling facilities and port operations. We will also be seeking the views of other Agencies to facilitate support to any improvement initiatives at the passenger terminal at Wideawake Airfield.
As the project unfolds, Ascension Island Government expects to publish regular updates to ensure that everyone on Ascension can follow the progress of this opportunity.
Michael Hill Administrator
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